Old Minder Game

Eski Minder, one of the most beloved traditional children’s games passed down through generations, is played joyfully in nearly every corner of Türkiye. It is not only a source of fun but also an excellent opportunity to stimulate creativity and instantly assume a different character. Have you ever wondered why this game has remained unchanged for centuries and what it offers you? Let us explore this delightful world in more detail.

To play Eski Minder, you need only an open or enclosed spacious area and at least three friends; however, the more participants there are, the more exciting the game becomes. Before starting, one player must be chosen as the “ebe” (it). This can be done using a playful counting rhyme. The person chosen as ebe moves to the center of the circle formed by the other players, squats down, and covers their eyes with their hands. The other players then hold hands and begin walking in a circle around the ebe.

As the players circle around the ebe, they recite the following rhyme in rhythm:

“Eski minder, yüzünü göster. Göstermezsen bir poz ver. Güzellik mi, çirkinlik mi? Havuzun başında heykellik mi, mankenlik mi? Hangisi ya da sen söyle?”

Once the rhyme ends, the ebe loudly announces one of the options—for example, “güzellik” (beauty) or “mankenlik” (modeling). The players must immediately assume a pose according to the ebe’s command:
Güzellik: Players display their most charming and beautiful facial expressions.
Çirkinlik: The opposite of beauty is performed; players make funny and ugly facial expressions.
Heykellik/Mankenlik: Players freeze completely, standing motionless like a statue or mannequin.

^{Representative Image of the Eski Minder Game (This Image Was Generated by Artificial Intelligence.)}

The ebe opens their eyes and begins walking among the players, checking whether they have remained still. They may even try to make the players laugh or move. The first player to move, or the one who most creatively performs the pose chosen by the ebe, becomes the new “Eski Minder” (ebe) for the next round.

Eski Minder is not merely a game of imitation; it is also an effective mental activity. Following the game’s flow enhances your attention, while responding promptly to the ebe’s commands and patiently waiting develops self-control. Managing the emotions that come with being chosen as ebe and continuing to participate supports emotional balance. Thinking of different poses nurtures imagination and expressive ability. Reciting the rhyme and playing together strengthens language and communication skills.